Alana Rodriguez has decided to purchase a Multi-Function Printer. She has narrowed the choice to two: Brand A and Brand B. Both brands have the same features and transmitting speed and use the same type of paper. Both come from companies with good reputations. The selling price for each is identical. After some review, Alana discovers that the cost of operating and maintaining Brand A over a three-year period is estimated to be $300. For Brand B, the operating and maintenance cost is $150. The sales agent for Brand B emphasizes the lower operating and maintenance cost. She claims that it is lower than any other Printer. In addition, she provides Alana with a copy of an article appearing in a PC magazine that rates service performance of various Printers. Brand B is rated number one.
Required:
a. Which brand should Alana buy? Why?
b. What is the total product purchased by Alana?
c. What does it mean to obtain a competitive advantage? What role does the cost management system play in helping to achieve this goal?

Question

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The Answer of Alana Rodriguez has decided to purchase a Multi-Function Printer. She has narrowed the choice to two: Brand A and Brand B. Both brands have the same features and transmitting speed and use the same type of paper. Both come from companies with good reputations. The selling price for each is identical. After some review, Alana discovers that the cost of operating and maintaining Brand A over a three-year period is estimated to be $300. For Brand B, the operating and maintenance cost is $150. The sales agent for Brand B emphasizes the lower operating and maintenance cost. She claims that it is lower than any other Printer. In addition, she provides Alana with a copy of an article appearing in a PC magazine that rates service performance of various Printers. Brand B is rated number one.
Required:
a. Which brand should Alana buy? Why?
b. What is the total product purchased by Alana?
c. What does it mean to obtain a competitive advantage? What role does the cost management system play in helping to achieve this goal?

Alana Rodriguez Has Decided to Purchase a Multi-Function Printer